Come here, Rude Boy, boy, can you style it up?

I love the small details in design. From the stitching on a garment, the hidden fixings on an object, the branding placement, the shadow gaps between walls and floor, to the props used on a back bar display. It’s all the small details that really help convey the object’s/wearer’s/place’s personality, and they’re not something that you necessarily appreciate at first glance, which makes them all the better when you do notice them.

Back in the summer, a friend and I went to the ‘Return of the Rude Boy’ exhibition at Somerset House. Now, I must admit, I didn’t know what a Rude Boy was (!!!) but absolutely loved the photographs and garments on display. The stylistic lengths these boys (and girl!) go to is just amazing. It’s all about the sharpness of suit, the shine on the shoes, and yep, the small details unique to their outfit…..

Love Dexter de Leadnus’ pin

Outlaw Now Here/Outlaw Nowhere? You decide.

Natty Bo

Bevan Agyemang & Macharia Brian Gathii

Gary Powell- turned up trousers with acid yellow socks. Check out the shoes.

Love the text printed on the tassels, and the background colour change on the badges.

Trouser brace strapping detail, and embossed leather tag on the Sunday Best box.

Open leather suitcase totems were a clever and appropriate way to display more Rudie photographs….

Exhibition detailing

Unfortunately the exhibition has finished now, but you can find out more information about it here or on the Somerset House website. The exhibition was put together by Dean Chalkley (all photographs feat. in this post were taken by Dean) and Harris Elliot.